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Superior vena caval obstruction by lipomatous hypertrophy of the right atrium
R F McNamara1, A E Taylor, B J Panner
1Department of Medicine, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York.
Clinical Cardiology
|October 1, 1987
Insights
Lipomatous hypertrophy of the right atrium can obstruct medical devices. This condition significantly narrows the superior vena cava (SVC) junction, impacting cardiac procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Swan-Ganz catheterization is a common procedure for monitoring cardiac function.
- Obstruction during catheter insertion can indicate underlying anatomical issues.
Observation:
- A Swan-Ganz catheter encountered an obstruction in the distal superior vena cava (SVC).
- The obstruction occurred at the junction of the SVC and the right atrium.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed lipomatous hypertrophy of the right atrium as the cause of obstruction.
- This hypertrophy significantly narrowed the lumen at the SVC-right atrial junction.
Implications:
- Lipomatous hypertrophy of the right atrium is a critical differential diagnosis for SVC obstruction.
- Awareness of this condition is vital for interventional cardiologists and surgeons.
- Accurate diagnosis can prevent complications during cardiac catheterization and surgery.
Abstract:
A structural abnormality was suspected when passage of a Swan-Ganz catheter was obstructed at the distal superior vena cava (SVC). At autopsy, lipomatous hypertrophy of the right atrium markedly narrowed the lumen at the SVC-right atrial junction.